Totally Vexx-ed by Acclaim

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Read first details about the promising action-platformer and see first-ever screenshots.

By IGN Staff

Earlier today at Acclaim's Austin, Texas-based Gamers' Summit, the company unveiled its mysterious action-platformer Vexx for the first time, and IGN was there to play it. The game, up and running initially only on Microsoft's hardware, will debut for PS2, Xbox and GameCube this October. Though early, the beginnings of a highly intriguing, pretty 3D-action offering already are evident.

Vexx follows the character of the same name on an epic quest through volcanic islands, desert temples, frozen citadels and giant castles. The young hero, once part of the Rockhaven tribe, finds his planet Astara invaded by the Shadowraith, the "Dark Yabu" and his followers. The evil group descends from the sky and enslaves the inhabitants of Vexx's world, killing the character's grandfather.

Vexx manages to escape quietly aboard the enemy's Windship, where he discovers his salvation: The last known pair of Astani Battle Gauntlets. The special gloves leap from their chest and onto Vexx's outstretched hands, empowering him a wealth of super moves. With new abilities empowering him, the character vows to save his planet and avenge his grandfather's death. And thus begins Acclaim Austin's new breed of action-platformer.

Vexx is very much a gigantic action-platformer in the style of Super Mario 64 or Jak and Daxter, but with an action element all its own. The main character's appeal lies in his ability to harness the power of the Astani Battlegauntlets in order to perform special moves and destroy foes. Vexx can also go just about anywhere in the 3D worlds featured in the game as the hero can actually climb uneven surfaces and hang from high areas.

The core 3D technology powering Vexx is also responsible for Acclaim's upcoming Turok Evolution, which will be unveiled in full tomorrow for PS2, GameCube and Xbox. The engine is, as you will see in the screenshots below, very impressive. Vexx already proudly boasts vast 3D worlds, splendidly rendered 3D models, and a high level of texture detail to boot. And just wait until you get a hold of this game in motion.

IGNPS2 will update soon with more detailed hands-on impressions of the game. But in the meantime, feast your eyes on a wide assortment of new screenshots grabbed from the Xbox version of the game. Acclaim promises that all three builds of the game will look very similar, so players should be able to get a very good idea of what's to come from the below images.